The State Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated Ksh 1.3 billion towards the upgrading of four major slums under the second phase of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme (KISIP 2). The funding, which is part of a World Bank-backed initiative, aims to enhance infrastructure and access to basic services in the areas of Kwa-Murogi, London, and Lake View in Nakuru Town, as well as the Karagita slums in Naivasha.
The project, expected to be completed by January 2025, will be a game changer for thousands of residents who have long endured poor road networks, inadequate water supply, and poor drainage and sewerage systems. According to Mr. Kamau Kuria, the County Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Planning, the initiative will transform these low-income areas into sustainable communities with improved living standards.
Focus on Infrastructure and Basic Services
The KISIP 2 upgrade will focus on improving key infrastructure, including drainage systems, waste management, roads, and street lighting. This will be achieved through the construction of new roads and the tarmacking of existing ones. For instance, the 950-meter road in Lake View is already 90 percent complete, while construction of a 1.2-kilometer road and the improvement of a 2.4-kilometer walkway in Kwa-Murogi have begun. In addition, a 1.2-kilometer road project and a 300-meter sewerage network are underway in London Estate.
The project also emphasizes the importance of land tenure security, with plans for the issuance of title deeds to slum residents, enabling them to invest in their homes and communities. As part of the upgrade, water connectivity and sewerage lines will be laid, further improving the residents’ access to essential services.
Collaboration Between State, County, and Development Partners
This ambitious upgrade project is a result of collaboration between the Nakuru County Government, the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, the World Bank, and other development partners. Mr. Kuria emphasized that this partnership is crucial to ensuring that the projects are executed efficiently and that the beneficiaries receive value for money. The County Project Coordination Team (CPCT) is closely working with the KISIP National Project Coordination Team (NPCT) to ensure that all project details are captured and implemented correctly.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project will focus on socio-economic support for the residents. By upgrading the settlements and enhancing access to basic services, the initiative is expected to create opportunities for local economic development and improve the overall well-being of the residents.
Expanding the Impact of KISIP
The ongoing slum upgrading project is part of a larger initiative supported by multilateral donor funding, amounting to Ksh 31.7 billion. This funding, which includes contributions from the World Bank and the French Development Agency, aims to upgrade informal settlements across 33 counties in Kenya. More than 400 informal settlement schemes are set to benefit from this funding, which will address infrastructure issues, water access, lighting, and social inclusion in slums nationwide.
According to KISIP National Project Coordinator George Arwa, the project is designed to improve living conditions, enhance land tenure security, and promote socio-economic opportunities for residents in informal settlements. The KISIP initiative seeks to complement the National Government’s efforts to provide affordable housing, particularly for those living in urban slums.
Conclusion
The KISIP 2 upgrade in Nakuru marks a crucial step toward improving the lives of residents in some of the most underserved areas of the county. By addressing critical infrastructure gaps, improving access to basic services, and promoting land ownership, the project is set to create lasting positive change for thousands of families. As the initiative continues to unfold, it offers hope for a brighter, more sustainable future for Nakuru’s slum dwellers.
